William has already made an impression as a freshman at Grosse Pointe South High School and is one of the rising starts of the state’s Class of 2022.

A defensive back by nature, the 6-foot, 160-pound freshman started there and at wide receiver and made a good showing for a team that made the playoffs.

“The coaches brought me in and let me develop,’’ said William. “I’m probably a better defensive back right now because that’s my main position. This is my first year playing receiver. Playing defensive back helped me with my ball skills as a wide receiver. I prefer playing defensive back because I’ve played it my whole life. We only had one receiver, so I helped the team by playing wideout. I had to step up.’’

He said he prioritized getting stronger as he moved from youth football to the varsity.

“Trying to keep up with players older than me was an adjustment,’’ Johnson said. “The game got easier the longer I played. It started slowing down the last three games of the season going into the playoffs.’’

Deon Johnson said he originally was going to give his son a C+ grade, but changed his mind.

“I’m hard on him,’’ Deon said. “As a freshman and watching from the first game to the last game I’ll give him a B. You could tell as the season went on he was more confident. I think the game slowed down for him. He was more aggressive. I talk about the things he did wrong on plays rather than the positives. As a defensive back, I’d tell him be glad they didn’t throw to his side on a particular play. We talk technique and I always ask him about the game plan.

“At Michigan we were always taught the mental part of it. You have to be three times better mentally than physically to be successful. I talk to him about the mental part of it, what to expect, looking a film from the other team. He has always been a defensive back, but as the season went on he got better as a receiver. When he first started he couldn’t run a route, didn’t know route concepts.’’

Deon Johnson said Michigan State has already been in contact; he has also sent film of one his son's games to Penn State co-defensive coordinator Tim Banks.

“I played with Tim in high school, so that’s a personal relationship,’’ Deon Johnson said. “He responded back with positive notes. I wanted to get a critique on him, and he had a lot of positive things to say.’’

Johnson was one of several many freshmen who made an impact in 2018.

Here’s a look at a few more:

William Johnson, Grosse Pointe South

William Johnson, Grosse Pointe South

Grosse Pointe South football

Antonio Gates Jr., Dearborn Fordson

Antonio Gates Jr., Dearborn Fordson

Dearborn Fordson football

Antonio Gates Jr.

School: Dearborn Fordson

Size: 6-1, 170

Position: Wide receiver

The buzz: Yes, he’s the son of likely Pro Football Hall of Famer Antonio Gates. Still growing into his body, so eventually he’ll be a beast on either side of the ball.

Jakobe Watkins, Belleville

Jakobe Watkins, Belleville

Belleville football

Jakobe Watkins

School: Belleville

Size: 6-1, 260

Position: Offensive line

The buzz: Made All-Kensington Lakes Activities Association All-Conference East team, along with 10 teammates. With Devontae Dobbs headed to MSU next season, recruiters will be lining up to watch him.

Dillon Tatum, West Bloomfield

Dillon Tatum, West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield football

Dillon Tatum

School: West Bloomfield

Size: 5-10, 170

Position: Running back

The buzz: When Donovan Edwards was lost for the season to a leg injury Tatum was pressed into service to help Lance Dixon in the backfield. Made a key contribution in the victory over Oak Park, earning praise from coach Ron Bellamy.

Myles Walton, Muskegon

Myles Walton, Muskegon

Muskegon football

Myles Walton

School: Muskegon

Size: 5-10, 175

Position: Slot back/defensive back

The buzz: Started from Day 1 and plays all over the field for the Big Reds. “We’re very pleased with his progress and he has another year with Cam (Cameron Martinez),’’ coach Shane Fairfield said. We’re very excited about his future.’’

Myles Rowser, Belleville

Myles Rowser, Belleville

Belleville football

Myles Rowser

School: Belleville

Size: 5-10, 160

Position: Defensive back

The buzz: A talented, fast athlete. Good cover skills and will get better as he gets stronger.

Deshaun Lee, Belleville

Deshaun Lee, Belleville

Belleville football

Deshaun Lee

School: Belleville

Size: 5-10, 155

Position: Wide receiver/defensive back

The buzz: Belleville is in good hands for years to come with athletes like Lee around. Solid cover skills with plenty of speed and is a big-play threat as a receiver.

Carson Roose, Warren De LaSalle

Carson Roose, Warren De LaSalle

Bill Roose

Carson Roose

School: Warren De LaSalle

Size: 6-5, 175

Position: Quarterback

The buzz: Has taken some snaps in mop-up duty. Will compete for the starting position as a sophomore. Whether he wins the job or not depends on winter conditioning and how quickly he progresses.

Blake Bailiff, Detroit King

Blake Bailiff, Detroit King

Detroit King

Blake Bailiff

School: Detroit King

Size: 6-foot, 200

Position: Linebacker

The buzz: Has started since week 4 for the Crusaders, cracking a lineup full of seniors. Has been able to stand out as a first-year performer because of his smarts and ability to pounce on running backs.

David Williams, Dearborn Heights Robichaud

David Williams, Dearborn Heights Robichaud

Dearborn Heights Robichaud football

David Williams

School: Dearborn Heights Robichaud

Size: 6-1, 170

Position: Quarterback

The buzz: Threw for 2,348 yards and 16 TDs and led the team to six straight wins to start the season. Competing for the starting point guard spot on the varsity. Was named first-team All-Conference.